The American Communist Party (CPUSA), formed in 1919 amidst the Red Scare, sought to apply Marxist-Leninist principles to the American context. Initially driven by revolutionary fervor and advocating for the overthrow of capitalism, the party attracted support from immigrant workers and labor activists. Key figures like Eugene V. Debs and later, Earl Browder, shaped its ideology and strategy.
Throughout the 20th century, the CPUSA's influence ebbed and flowed. During the Great Depression, it gained traction by advocating for workers' rights and social programs. However, its close ties to the Soviet Union and its support for Stalinism led to internal divisions and external persecution, particularly during the McCarthy era.
While never achieving mainstream political success, the CPUSA played a significant role in the labor movement and the fight for civil rights, often advocating for progressive policies later adopted by other political groups. Today, the party continues to exist, albeit with a smaller membership, focusing on issues like economic inequality, social justice, and anti-imperialism, demonstrating a shift from revolution to reform within its core tenets.
